The Spectacular Rise & Humiliating Fall of New York Rangers Phenom Don Murdoch.

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  • čas přidán 28. 09. 2022
  • Don "Murder" Murdoch's career is best remembered for its incredible beginning that was thwarted by high times and a costly crime. But could he turn his life around?
    Flying back home to British Columbia in the summer of 1977, the New York Rangers rookie sensation who, six months earlier, had played in the NHL All Star game, hid in the plane's restroom, covered his face with his hands and cried. Cried for his reckless decisions, cried for the shame he'd brought to himself and his family, cried for the promising future that was no longer certain.
    Don Murdoch was 20 years old, blessed with talent, fame and fortune, but cursed with immaturity and clouded vision. On the long flight home, he could not guess the extent of the gathering nightmare - the criminal charges, the public abuse, the crippling stigma, the guilty plea, the suspension - and, perhaps, the beginning of the end of a sure fire career in the National Hockey League.
    Copyright Disclaimer:
    Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for Fair Use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and more. No copyright infringement intended.
    #newyorkrangers #detroitredwings #edmontonoilers
    www.prohockeyalumni.org
    prohockeyalumni@gmail.com
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Komentáře • 402

  • @IronHorsey3
    @IronHorsey3 Před rokem +17

    You don't see this kind of professional story covering an athlete's career but here, it was done right. We remember and love Don Murdoch. He was a great young player and our nickname for the Espo line, "Two Dons & a Godfather" is one we all remember and enjoyed. Thank you Don Murdoch. Glad you found your way on a good road home. God bless!

  • @BillyJoeMcallister
    @BillyJoeMcallister Před rokem +102

    Phil Esposito a caring man opened the door for Don for another round in the NHL. If anything good came out of NY for Don it was NHL legend Phil Esposito. Great story once again!

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +13

      Thanks Billy Joe ... Espo is an endearing guy. Thanks for your comment, as always!

    • @funpants9448
      @funpants9448 Před rokem +5

      He does fine back home, he is on the ice as of 2022 as lead hockey instructor at his own school

    • @BillyJoeMcallister
      @BillyJoeMcallister Před rokem

      @@funpants9448 He's a good role model for kids, he knows the ropes of life.

    • @dionysius1b870
      @dionysius1b870 Před rokem +11

      @@ProHockeyAlumni I have the best Espo story!!
      So, I grew up in Boston... My grandfather was a WW2 marine and then BPO.. so, this was in between the two SC the Bruins one.. the year after Bobby Orr score the GWG and Flew like the eagle. So Espo was hurt ( knee injury pretty bad ) he was in Mass General Hospital, which people come from all around the world, for the best medical care. One night Bobby Orr, Derek Sanderson, and a few others.. were out drinking in Boston.. and They we're all saying "we are not going to win the cup this year without Espo".. but "Bobby Orr said yes we can.. let's go get him." So at 10 pm on a Friday night 4-5 bruins in 1972 lead by Orr. When into MGH and "wheeled Espo , iv in they pushed Espo and everything hooked up to him right down the Congress street, then onto Newberry street. To a bar ( that Sanderson just bought called Daisy Buchanan's) and Espo had some beers with them! 🤣
      But! When the doctor and nurse came in Espo's room they thought somebody kidnapped him and called the Boston police! My grandfather got the call from the captain.. him and his partner didn't know what to do... After an hour or two my grandfather got word that Espo was at the bar. They went there .. and sure as shit ... There was Orr, Sanderson, .. I have to call my dad and ask the other Bruins ? So, Orr said sorry to my grandfather.. whom said " don't worry let's get him back to MGH."
      I always wonder if it was a better time then.. I think it was. Go Bruins! 💪

    • @davidthompson62
      @davidthompson62 Před rokem +5

      Esposito saved more than one players life. The most famous was one night he found Derrick Sanderson beat up on a park bench in Central Park. Esposito took him in but was too busy to help him personally so shipped him to Orr in Boston.
      The hockey culture in The NHL was different in the 70’s than it is today. Players back then often went out “for a couple pops” and a meal mingling with the fans. This seldomly happens today. NY in the 70’s had a lot of dark temptations and more than one player flushed their careers on booze and drugs.

  • @MikeyMike-uu3fe
    @MikeyMike-uu3fe Před rokem +17

    Right on...This was great.....I like a happy ending....I thought it was gonna be a tragic ending.....BUT MAN...20 Years old in the late 1970s..IN NEW YORK CITY!!??...geez man..those were the years cocaine was everywhere and MANY Were doing it.......The Temptations EVERYWHERE hehe.....Right on...👊👊

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +4

      Thanks MM ... I'd hate to be judged on what a did at 20! Crazy times in a crazy city -- but he moved beyond it. Thanks for watching!

    • @MikeyMike-uu3fe
      @MikeyMike-uu3fe Před rokem

      @@ProHockeyAlumni Absolutely thank you..👊

  • @justinhopper5941
    @justinhopper5941 Před rokem +6

    I can’t imagine what it would be like being that young and handed the keys to the kingdom. The partying and woman could easily to sidetrack a lot of guys…In 1970’s in New York it would be another level.
    Shit in junior hockey I went crazy partying and messed things up..I can’t imagine the temptation he had.

  • @jorgeeslava6455
    @jorgeeslava6455 Před rokem +43

    As a long time Ranger fan, I remember Murdoch in the Rangers 79 run to the Stanley Cup. It was sweet and memorable. Glad to see Don has turned his life around. We Rangers fans will always remember him.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +6

      That was a fun time … glad Shero didn’t complete Espo trade to Hawks … Nilsson injury could have cost them the Cup.

    • @garyblanchard1084
      @garyblanchard1084 Před rokem +6

      That was the first Stanley Cup final round I watched. Hockey is the greatest.

    • @sdgakatbk
      @sdgakatbk Před rokem +1

      @@garyblanchard1084 Yes and the 2022-2023 season is starting up soon.

    • @SgtHawk13
      @SgtHawk13 Před rokem

      Yeah remembered as a clown! 🤡🤡😭😭😂😂🤣

    • @dr.loomis4221
      @dr.loomis4221 Před rokem

      ok boomer

  • @craigfazekas3923
    @craigfazekas3923 Před rokem +9

    He's probably lucky to still be alive, given the lifestyle.... Mankind has as many stories as the ocean has gallons.
    Thanks for bringing another one to light !!
    🚬😎

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      Thanks, Craig ... I greatly appreciate your thoughts and feedback!

  • @thinkingjack
    @thinkingjack Před rokem +51

    Phil Esposito really did try to open the door for a lot of his teammates that struggled with their decisions through their careers.
    I’m glad he got a chance from Phil and redeemed himself in a way instead of being a tragic ending like the Richard story

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +11

      Espo is loyal -- sometimes he was too loyal. But you Gott respect it. THX!

    • @mckessa17
      @mckessa17 Před rokem +8

      Esposito was the guy who carried team Canada on his back in the 1972 Summit Series vs the Russians.

    • @anthonyriche552
      @anthonyriche552 Před rokem +8

      @Matt Joseph That's true. Espo, Duguay and a few other Rangers from that '79 team use to party it up at nightclubs. The thing with Murdoch was that he was way too young to be exposed to that lifestyle. But Phil never turned his back on friends. He was there for Sanderson through some dark times.

    • @RRaquello
      @RRaquello Před rokem +9

      Esposito got a lot of blame for the Middleton trade. The stories were that he pushed for the deal so he could be teamed up again with his old Boston linemate Ken Hodge. Hodge was washed up and turned out to be a terrible bust with the Rangers. But I think it was Espo who said that if Middleton hadn't been traded out of New York he would have ended up in jail. I don't know what the exact story was behind that, but the rumor was "woman trouble" out in the Long Island party scene, which could be just as wild as anything in the city. (In those days, the Rangers training facilities were out on the Island. Long Beach, I think, and most of the players lived out there.

    • @davidthompson62
      @davidthompson62 Před rokem +1

      @@RRaquello Another fact concern ing Middleton at that time was you could see he has great potential as a goal scorer BUT he was horrible on the other end of the ice. Infact Bruins new head coach, Don Cherry, told Bruins GM Harry Sinden (who made the trade) that he may have not made it. Of course Middleton learned to play both ends of the ice and became a Bruins great. Hodge couldn’t find his swagger in New York and the rest is history.

  • @benjaminquan3247
    @benjaminquan3247 Před rokem +5

    not sure why this came up in my feed but I'm glad it did

  • @dongraham8236
    @dongraham8236 Před rokem +11

    Wow! This is a story that could've been any Canadian kid...glad Don came out of this alive...

  • @eugenekelly3231
    @eugenekelly3231 Před rokem +8

    I was a Bartender on the Upper Eastside in Manhattan. Donny was a very nice guy. It was unfortunate that he had no mentor to rely upon.

    • @e8ghtmileshigh1
      @e8ghtmileshigh1 Před rokem

      Phil Esposito seemed like he was always that, Don just rejected it when he was 20 and loaded all the time.

    • @elvisparker4691
      @elvisparker4691 Před rokem

      My female cousin worked in The Garden in the 1970s.

  • @TheSpritz0
    @TheSpritz0 Před rokem +5

    IF you make a mistake AND LEARN FROM IT and turn around your life, you get FAR more respect than you know...

  • @ericbrewerguitar1499
    @ericbrewerguitar1499 Před rokem +31

    Great video. I expected to hear that he’d died of complications of his long years of cocaine and booze but it was really heartwarming to know that he turned his life around and is still out there growing the game to this day with his hockey school. Seems like a hell of a talented scorer and a great dude who was unfortunately by himself as a 19 year old kid with the whole Big Apple at his disposal: a lot of us would have turned out worse than he did given that same set of circumstances

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +5

      👍 well said … personally, I was an idiot kid without the money or fame!

  • @fasteddie9867
    @fasteddie9867 Před rokem +8

    Glad you're still alive Donnie. I remember your great playing during the 1978-79 season and playoffs. When I see a Rangers' #14 sweater--the owner of that is Donnie Murdoch.

  • @patrickethier6190
    @patrickethier6190 Před rokem +4

    Never knew doc Murdock was that much of a superstar, before I played with him in the IHL in Toledo... It was at the end of his career.. good guy!!

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      thanks for sharing ... as I recall Pete M. pleased with him to help out the Toledo team due to injuries.

  • @Classicrocker6119
    @Classicrocker6119 Před rokem +10

    This is more than just a sad story of a kid from Western Canada who got mixed up in the nightlife of New York City. I admit I lost track of Don’s career after he left the Oilers. Glad to hear that he’s doing well in Cranbrook BC with his hockey school. Thanks for another great documentary.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      Thanks 🙏 CR! Doc is living well and making lives better.

  • @johntaylor-lo8qx
    @johntaylor-lo8qx Před rokem +5

    I've never heard of this guy, but what a story !!! I was born in 1977. This is hockey legend gold. Please keep up the gr8 work. These days Hockey Canada woulda covered this so deep nobody would have heard a thing. Poor guy got his career ruined for 4 grams of blow ??? He wasn't hurting anyone. Please keep these docs up. God Bless 🙏.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      🔥 thanks JT … I appreciate your support!

    • @johntaylor-lo8qx
      @johntaylor-lo8qx Před rokem +2

      @@ProHockeyAlumni got your back !!! Keep this up and you will receive success at the greatest level. Don't stinge on footage or research. You've got the formula !!!!

    • @jackblaster7659
      @jackblaster7659 Před rokem

      He was a big deal back in the 70's in major junior hockey out west. The NHL and WHA drafts back then, were filled with western league first rounders. I think Murdoch was chosen 6th overall in the NHL amateur draft in 1976 and 5 out of the first 10 picked in round 1 were western league players. When he hit the NHL he was on fire, and unstoppable. 32 goals in 59 games in his rookie year with the Rangers. Nobody had numbers like that the first year. He was a rocket and it was too bad that he was treated so poorly for a mistake which is a slap on the wrists only a few years later.

  • @thewacokid6927
    @thewacokid6927 Před rokem +5

    being a kid and Ranger fan at the time I never understood what was happening with him....nice to finally hear the real story and that he has turned things around.

  • @invaderjaymz
    @invaderjaymz Před rokem +6

    Yes!!! I waited impatiently for this!!!

  • @NolanEgbert
    @NolanEgbert Před rokem +8

    Another excellent video! These are the types of hockey stories that the NHL doesn’t tell, but need to be told anyway and I’m glad you are able to do it

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +2

      Much appreciated! These are the stories that fascinated me when I was a kid ... I try to tell 'em with respect ... Thanks!

  • @ernestallison9880
    @ernestallison9880 Před rokem +6

    Loved this look at Donny. I grew up in the same town and met him a few times. I always felt sad for him because he really could have been a great player if not for his bad choices. I'm happy that he was able to come through it all and can teach kids now.

  • @jupiteral8217
    @jupiteral8217 Před rokem +3

    "yea, I rememba once me and Paulie, we was in the Gahden at da Ranguhs game and dis kid Moydock, he come outta nowhere and he scores tree friggin' goals!!"

  • @davidfitzgerald3653
    @davidfitzgerald3653 Před rokem +7

    So glad you succeeded. One drunk to another. One hockey player to another.

  • @thegreatrenaldo7718
    @thegreatrenaldo7718 Před rokem +2

    Thank you for uploading these stories

  • @davidmowry8951
    @davidmowry8951 Před rokem +3

    This was a great piece. Murdoch deserves praise for his strength and honesty. Many would of become lost, and given up life.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      Yes, you can tell he came from a good home and family ... a good guy who had poor judgment a long time ago.

  • @llkj7944
    @llkj7944 Před rokem +8

    Him and his brother lived just up the street from us in the mid 60s, my Dad built us a small back yard rink we all skated on when we were all under 10 years old, never knew him personnel since he was a bit older and left Cranbrook very young to pursue his career, I didnt follow his career much but watched him with the Rangers a little through the late 70s and then noticed him back around town in the 90s, Too bad his playing career didn't span longer, he likley would have been a career 40+ goal scorer and played in some big games, glad he found piece with it all, it happened to a good many young players with huge talent, hockey culture was much different in those days, no programs in the NHL or individual teams to help mentor players through big money and bright lights! Some of these kids never earned a pay check in their life and then get $100,000s or millions at their disposal at 19 or 20, drop them in a soul robbing night life party town like NY! At least now they try to educate junior players and rookie NHLers to take things in stride and focus on the career, some still slip though the cracks though unfortunately .

    • @hklinker
      @hklinker Před rokem

      It was indeed a different world for hockey players in so many ways. Fitness and diet, sleep, investing, representation…the clubs offered little support compared to today’s NHL. A lot of great players never even really got established coming out of junior hockey.

  • @tjakr3869
    @tjakr3869 Před rokem +10

    Good for you Don way to keep grinding. Sounds like you learned a valuable lesson and are sharing your hardships as a mentor to young people.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      Well said! We all make mistakes -- the key is to learn from them. Doc has done that. Thanks.

  • @paulcurtis1159
    @paulcurtis1159 Před rokem +3

    These posts are fantastic,
    The history of the game never gets old . Thankyou

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      Gotta love and respect the game -- and the players who made it great. Thanks very much for the feedback!

  • @petesnaturalpowerlifting1158

    As a 54 year old native New Yorker, I loved watching Murdoch play when I was a kid. Great memories.

  • @Wolves1967
    @Wolves1967 Před rokem +4

    Thank you for posting this story, I have been waiting for this one. Incredible job, I love Donnie Murdoch.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      Glad you enjoyed it ... Thanks for your feedback ... Loved the Rangers of that era. Doc loved the NYR fans.

    • @lindadeshannon2875
      @lindadeshannon2875 Před rokem +1

      Donnie put on sam steele road hockey tourney 1976 or 77 an the winners in the tourney won real new York ranger jerseys it was great an still have today can't believe this video came today un real .thanks Donny best sam Steele days ever .

    • @oneworld1812
      @oneworld1812 Před rokem

      @@lindadeshannon2875 I was a recipient of one of those jerseys back in the day.

  • @Flamsterette
    @Flamsterette Před rokem +1

    Thanks for the upload! Haven't heard of this hockey guy.

  • @Lucas-tr2gj
    @Lucas-tr2gj Před rokem +11

    awesome and heartbreaking story. im glad to hear hes got his life back on track. no use in wishing for what couldve been, so its a good thing he repaired his life eventually. great content👊

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      Well said! Not everybody can recover from these issues. Thanks so much for your comment!

  • @seinsmeld13
    @seinsmeld13 Před rokem +1

    What a great story, thanks for posting this.

  • @michaelemery1497
    @michaelemery1497 Před rokem +3

    Sad story, we had Derick Sanderson, who opened a bar with Joe Namath..Rick Middleton a great Bruin..Great video!!

  • @jamaljennings5734
    @jamaljennings5734 Před rokem +5

    Sometimes, not always how you start, but how you finish in this world, glad to see Don redeem himself.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      You've got that right, my friend ... always good hearing from you.

  • @jamesewanchook2276
    @jamesewanchook2276 Před rokem +1

    great segment, thanks!

  • @justawinddown
    @justawinddown Před rokem +1

    These videos are great! Thanks 👍

  • @danajooks9677
    @danajooks9677 Před rokem +2

    What a stroll down memory lane and what a body of work you put into this story. Ty for so much detail and finding out what happened to a beloved New York Ranger favorite. That Stanley cup run is still a fascinating time and yeah.....he was an integral piece. Salut Don for turning it around and salut phil Esposito for caring.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      Thanks, DJ ... great feedback and recall. Glad you saw value in this look back at Doc's career.

  • @billybobking200
    @billybobking200 Před rokem +2

    Another great vidéo. Thank you for it.

  • @wilseph1
    @wilseph1 Před rokem +4

    A pair of 80+ goal seasons in junior. Not too shabby.

  • @Ford69BOSS429
    @Ford69BOSS429 Před rokem +2

    thanks for creating this story. I love these old time players. Sad story with a happy ending. It was tough back in the day if you had issues in hockey. You might get help from individuals but the organizations turned a blind eye.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      Agreed and thanks …. These kids were on their own back in the day … old days weren’t always better 🙏

  • @tpor1206
    @tpor1206 Před rokem +1

    Great video again - thank you!!👍

  • @georgeanthony7282
    @georgeanthony7282 Před rokem +2

    I also remember Don Murdoch. Had so much potential... so much promise. Unfortunately, he wasn't mature enough to handle the pressures that go along with playing in a city like New York. That said, I'm glad he is still alive. For a time, it didn't seem as though even that wouldn't have sufficed.

  • @onelove1968
    @onelove1968 Před rokem +12

    Your channel is incredible. My buddy and I are both old time hockey fans ... we really love hearing about these alumni player stories. Thanks for all the time and effort that you put into making these. It's as though all of my classic hockey cards are now coming to life!

  • @randomname9758
    @randomname9758 Před rokem +2

    What a great, compact documentary. Subscribed. 👊

  • @coffeenow2382
    @coffeenow2382 Před rokem +2

    Not really a hockey fan, but enjoyed this video, enlightening, thanks!

  • @pickford3152
    @pickford3152 Před rokem +1

    Amazing as usual my friend👍 by far the best uploaded of hockey history on CZcams..I’m still re listening to all your podcasts on Spotify!! I wish you were still uploaded new material on there, but I know your a busy man

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      You made my day, Pick ... as always, grateful for your kind words and support. Yes, the podcast requires a ton of prep but I enjoyed it immensely. You never know, but, for now, I could never effectively do both. Thanks again!

  • @electricbone3284
    @electricbone3284 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Great video! Thanks for sharing these incredible hockey stories.

  • @humanbeing2420
    @humanbeing2420 Před rokem +6

    Great video. As a Ranger fan, I've heard Murdoch's name mentioned many times in connection with the teams of the late 70's but never really knew his story. This explained it really well. Good thing it had a happy ending.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      💪 there’s a strong bond between NYR fans and the players of that generation. Great loyalty in both sides

    • @ShibaInu154
      @ShibaInu154 Před rokem

      He had a laser beam of a shot.

  • @dgcmusi
    @dgcmusi Před rokem +3

    I’m glad he’s doing well…I actually worked at their practice rink in Rye New York back in those days…

  • @drivesecure2476
    @drivesecure2476 Před rokem +3

    Don was a bright lite in the NHL for a very short time got caught up in the night life of New York if maybe someone would of gave him some tough love things might of turned out much better its good that he got himself back on track and his story just might help the next young player !!!

  • @phillipstankey8881
    @phillipstankey8881 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Played is last games as a pro here in Toledo during the final season (1985-86) for the IHL's Toledo Goaldiggers. The player/coach of that team was Pete Mahovolich...he also was playing his last games as a pro

  • @kowalski3769
    @kowalski3769 Před rokem +2

    I was at a Ranger practice one time and Murdoch was trying to give me his stick over the glass. I was a little kid and just as I jumped up to grab it some older kid came by and snagged it from me. Little shit! I did get an some pucks that Ulf Neilson throw over the glass and I was able to grab a Barry Beck autograph that day so over all it was a great day! My dad saw Murdoch out at a NY bar one time and got me his autograph though. I still have it tucked away somewhere.

  • @sportsfix6975
    @sportsfix6975 Před rokem +3

    Wow, I remember subscribing to your channel when you had 50 subscribers. Your excellent bios are way to good to go unnoticed. You'll hit a million one day I'm sure.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      Thanks for your support ... It means a lot and I enjoy bringing these stories to life for great fans like you!

  • @danc2426
    @danc2426 Před rokem +3

    Alls well that ends well.. what young man out there has never made mistakes ? He shows maturity and wisdom now…way to go !

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      agreed ... young and reckless would describe most of us ... THX!

  • @michaeltootikian4402
    @michaeltootikian4402 Před rokem +2

    Don Murdoch was one of my favorite hockey players

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      He was fun to watch ... and he loved to score goals!

  • @gordiespartan4443
    @gordiespartan4443 Před rokem +1

    Awesome story asxaxkid growing up playing in Calgary watching him play .
    These were hard drinking party times for young players .So happy to hear his name again and how he turned it around. GOOD ON YOU MURDOCH .Cheers Gordie Murdoch Cameron

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      Thanks very much ... Doc's story is a good one and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

  • @tonypalombinijr2946
    @tonypalombinijr2946 Před rokem +2

    As a long time Rangers fan who is old enough to remember Murdoch’s time in NY I’m so glad to see how how he pulled his life together. Like someone else commented I expected this video to end on a sad note. Hopefully the young aspiring players he crosses paths with will listen intently to what he says. I can’t imagine the level of temptation any budding star athlete faces every day. You need good quality mentors around you to lead the way.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      great comment with valuable insights. Thanks for sharing!

  • @Redhotlugnut
    @Redhotlugnut Před rokem +1

    Haha, I love this footage from the 70's. I was very young when I started watching hockey and collecting hockey cards. The 78-79 season (I was 6) is when I remember seeing the Rangers jersey and logo and John Davidson's mask. Also Ken Dryden's mask and he retired after this season.
    Don Murdoch I remember his hair and he had really good stats but I never knew the story behind the player. I wonder how he would have made out if he had been in a more humble city such as St Louis or Pittsburgh? Guy was a natural goal scorer for sure. Can't teach that.

  • @josephwirtz8352
    @josephwirtz8352 Před rokem +4

    Great message he has, for those that have ears to hear…👍🏼

  • @prezidentjeff
    @prezidentjeff Před rokem +3

    One of my favourite channels on CZcams

  • @eirikrdberg1161
    @eirikrdberg1161 Před rokem +1

    Murdoch was just before my time. I got into hockey as a player and NHL fan in 80-81. Just about everyone who has played a season since 83 or so I remember in some way, but not those who retired Prior to the 80s. I do remember hus name being a rangers fan and seeing several regular season and playoff games in msg in 82-83-84 when I lived in connecticut.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      Glad you watched ... and appreciative of your comment. We love you kids!

  • @JJBMusic0
    @JJBMusic0 Před rokem +1

    Great video, glad to see he came through it. Sometimes, there’s a bigger picture and I’m sure his experiences will make a difference to someone out there

  • @sdgakatbk
    @sdgakatbk Před rokem +1

    I remember him as a Ranger and when Edmonton got him. I liked him but didn't know all the problems he had at the time. I'm glad he turned things around. Also, in his position with the Lightning, he would have credibility talking to any young players that were facing the same things in the organization.

  • @andicampbell8621
    @andicampbell8621 Před rokem +2

    Very interesting and a good watch. As a NYR fan from afar, I`d never heard of Don, but so glad he found his way in life.

  • @lostvlog6857
    @lostvlog6857 Před rokem +5

    That was interesting! I remember him and the drug bust but I had no idea what a great goal scorer he was, I mean those rookie numbers were just insane. It's a shame he got hurt, just crazy that they say he was washed up at only 25 a few years later. Now adays they protect the young stars from the nightlife and drugs, not back then though.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +3

      Great comment ... imagine 16 goals in your first 16 NHL games. And he was playing with so-so linemates like Greg Polis and Walter Tkaczuk

  • @donaldleider7382
    @donaldleider7382 Před rokem +2

    Murdoch still should have won the Calder trophy, was by far the best rookie of 1977!

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      You got that right ... really got cheated. 32 goals in 59 games.

  • @anthonyriche552
    @anthonyriche552 Před rokem +1

    Well pieced together. I remember Murdoch on the Rangers and vaguely on the Oilers. Didn't know all the stuff he went through afterward. It must have been tough going from "golden child" (and playing with one) to toiling in the minors. But I'm glad he turned his life around and can be proud of how he turned out. Some guys aren't so lucky.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      And he was playing for peanuts in his last 2-3 years. Just riding buses and hoping for a miracle. His benching in 79-80 was a warning sign but he seemed fine until the 80-81 season. He worked hard for the O's but couldn't score despite playing with Anderson and Messier. Sather was wary of his "issues" and Murdoch would not accept a pay cut. He was never the same.

  • @recPokerFish
    @recPokerFish Před rokem +3

    "Murder" was a natural scorer ...he put up good numbers for the NYR and put up good numbers in the minors after his NHL career was over.....Sonny Werblin was a great man..

  • @daleweiss9507
    @daleweiss9507 Před rokem +4

    I watched him play for the Medicine Hat Tigers back in the day, very exciting games. Morris Lukowich was the set up man and would set up Murdock with perfect passes. I miss those days.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      Luke, Carroll and Murder ... all three made it to the NHL. What a line!

  • @richvail7551
    @richvail7551 Před rokem +4

    Good for him. Broke my heart when he said he thinks about it every day, how he wished he could go back and change it all.
    It would be a tough pill to swallow if you get sober and then see what was actually possible.
    But in recovery there is no point in living in regret. You may not be able to change the past but we can certainly change our present and future and I’ve never met a lazy sober alcoholic in recovery. We are hard workers and great motivators.
    Glad Murdock turned his life around and has had time to spend with his kids and grandkids if he has any. Those relationships are true gold and better than any trophy in any sport.

  • @johnparsons1573
    @johnparsons1573 Před rokem +3

    Great video

  • @vincentmurphy9252
    @vincentmurphy9252 Před rokem +1

    Love this podcast

  • @buddmannable
    @buddmannable Před rokem +1

    The late 70's, early 80's Rangers were the definition of cool....Murder, Espo, Greschner, The Maloneys , Ron Duguay and the Swedes.

  • @MrOctober44
    @MrOctober44 Před rokem +1

    Isles fan. Never heard of him but certainly an interesting story. I'm surprised it doesn't happen more. To be a young star athlete in New York.. I can't imagine the temptation, ego, money must be overwhelming.

  • @acedaytona1884
    @acedaytona1884 Před rokem +1

    Great content keep it up!!!

  • @Furryfeather
    @Furryfeather Před rokem +1

    Thanks for the great story. Embarrassed that iI never heard of this guy. Actually Seems like a pretty great career considering what the young guy went thru living in NYC.

  • @martinrobert8490
    @martinrobert8490 Před rokem +1

    Another great job wow. I don’t even know the guy what a talent wasted. Thank you.

  • @daveyboy_
    @daveyboy_ Před rokem +2

    I remember reading about this guy I Inside Sport in 84 or 85.

  • @darrentoronto73
    @darrentoronto73 Před rokem +1

    That playoff goal against BUF was a beauty, grabbing the puck throwing it down and firing.

  • @cynthiastines8918
    @cynthiastines8918 Před 5 dny +1

    I remember when he came to The Rangers, he was supposed their answer to Bryan Trottier, but injuries, and an arrest for drug possession, and the NYC nightlife ruined him.

  • @GrisouIII
    @GrisouIII Před rokem +1

    I find your content really interesting…am I’m not even a hockey fan!

  • @desert.mantis
    @desert.mantis Před rokem +7

    Who hasn't made regrettable choices in their youth? I know I did.

  • @mrchitlin6255
    @mrchitlin6255 Před rokem +1

    Love hearing The Big Whistle

  • @thefozzybear
    @thefozzybear Před rokem +4

    A lot of young star hockey players can learn from Don Murdoch's life experiences.

  • @chowmushi
    @chowmushi Před rokem +1

    I live in the same building Murdoch lived in in NYC, upper east side. The doorman (who has since passed) used to tell stories about Don and his partying ways, coming home late, drunk and stoned, with different women.

  • @RockHistoryMusic
    @RockHistoryMusic Před rokem +1

    Nice job.

  • @petermotta1623
    @petermotta1623 Před rokem

    Great to see Don is feeling & doing better !!

  • @brucemunro949
    @brucemunro949 Před rokem +2

    I noticed in the all star game photo, Don Murdoch is standing beside another Medicine Hat Tiger great Tom Lysiak.👍

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      Good eye … they were tight and hung out in Atlanta … they had no trouble on the bachelor scene

    • @brucemunro949
      @brucemunro949 Před rokem +1

      I know you have a video on Tom Lysiak which is very good. Have you ever considered doing one on Lanny McDonald?

  • @mortimerbrewster1028
    @mortimerbrewster1028 Před rokem +1

    Well done. I'm glad Mr. Murdoch turned his life around. The Red wings were in bad shape when Devellano took them over. He tried to salvage the careers of Murdoch and Reggie Leach,and Eric Vail. One time great Players who fell on hard times due to off ice lifestyles. Detroit was their final stop.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      Right again, Mort ... The Motor City was the last roundup for many troubled players in the early 80s.

  • @RRaquello
    @RRaquello Před rokem +2

    Just thought of it, but there were two Bob Murdochs in the NHL at the time. One was Don's brother, who I remember playing with the Cleveland Barons, and the other, not a relative as far as I know, was a longtime very solid defenseman with the LA Kings. He had one of the best mustaches in the 1970's NHL.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      right ... I'm sure that caused a lot of confusion in the 70s.

    • @RRaquello
      @RRaquello Před rokem

      @@ProHockeyAlumni Out of curiosity, I looked up Bob (Don's brother) Murdoch's career starts and they were actually pretty good for a guy playing on the terrible teams that were the California Seals and Cleveland Barons, twice scoring 20 goals in a career that only lasted 4 years and ended at age 25. I wonder what the story was there. When you showed the chart of Don's draft year, I noticed that the Seals picked right ahead of the Rangers and took one of the all-time busts in Bjorn Johansson. If the Seals had taken Don, he would have been on the team with his older brother, who might have kept him out of trouble (maybe not, looking at the arc of Bob's career), and he would have eventually ended up on the North Stars when they were an up & coming team in the late 70's, with players like Craig Hartsburg, Bobby Smith, Steve Payne, Al MacAdam, Tim Young, etc. Those were all very solid guys and maybe with that team he could have fulfilled his potential. Who knows?

  • @scottrozzi1780
    @scottrozzi1780 Před rokem +2

    Very very sad what happened to him and makes it very real it can happen to anybody. Please enjoy life now and stay strong humber 14

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      right, young pro athletes have to grow up quick ... its a small window before you've lost the opportunity. THX

  • @bustertaco
    @bustertaco Před rokem +2

    Newspaper clipping Superintendent Donald Heaton of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,..."You people down in the States are not on the metric system yet, so you will have to get used to it in the near future. " 😹😹😹

  • @bb-gc2tx
    @bb-gc2tx Před rokem +5

    he was 20 years old playing in nyc in the late 70s give the guy a break. nightlife and partying was unavoidable

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem +1

      no doubt you are right.

    • @bb-gc2tx
      @bb-gc2tx Před rokem +1

      @Matt Joseph especially in the late 70s in nyc everyone was doing cocaine in the circles they were running in .

  • @jackrobinson8945
    @jackrobinson8945 Před rokem +2

    We used to call him "Coke on ice" when he played for the Oilers.

  • @GetBenched2010
    @GetBenched2010 Před rokem +2

    To this day the Rangers organization keeps drug related issues in house sidestepping the NHL because of the fact that the league banned him for a year for the crime of seeking out a rehab centre as the league didn't have a drug program. They protected Theo Fleury and Jacob Trouba when they were having their problems in ensuing years.

  • @dkay636
    @dkay636 Před rokem +1

    God bless with what you are doing with the youth.

  • @cps7962
    @cps7962 Před rokem +1

    great stuff.

  • @clearcreek69
    @clearcreek69 Před rokem +3

    Its alot different these days when it comes to hockey players & the ability to get professional help should they need it. I was glad to find out he turned his life around.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      No support back in the day and basically EVERYONE drank …. Luckily Doc could save himself. Thx!

    • @clearcreek69
      @clearcreek69 Před rokem

      Players also smoked back then too unlike today.

  • @svenolofandersson2572
    @svenolofandersson2572 Před rokem +2

    And so, he actually made a much more successful career than most hockey players, albeit not on the ice. Instead he learned a life lesson and humility which most people don’t ever do. Glory, fame and fortune is overrated. I commend Murdoch for being what he is today, allowing young kids to draw on his experiences.

  • @7555mac
    @7555mac Před rokem +1

    great story, it was tough growing up in the 1970s for many people including myself and wouldnt trade the ups and downs during those times. i call this a success story for him, except for the money he could have made in the nhl, but he didnt die from booze and drugs and rebounded later on in life with the help from players and management, a chance most dont get to do.

    • @ProHockeyAlumni
      @ProHockeyAlumni  Před rokem

      Good thoughts -- I agree …. I’ve talked to ex teammates of his and they all say he was out of control …. Lucky to be alive … thx 🙏